Gospel music icon Kirk Franklin is set to collaborate with Insignia Assets, a newly established entertainment venture. This partnership will merge Franklin's enterprises, Fo Yo Soul Recordings and CLTRE Lab, with Insignia's diverse portfolio spanning recorded music, publishing, television, film, touring, and events. Franklin will also assume the role of Chief of Creative Services at Insignia Assets. The collaboration aims to create a platform that amplifies stories, faith, and culture across multiple media channels, pushing gospel music beyond traditional boundaries.
Renowned gospel artist Kirk Franklin has announced an ambitious new alliance with Insignia Assets, a fledgling entertainment enterprise co-founded by Norman Gyamfi and Jonathan Jay. Under this strategic partnership, Franklin’s companies—Fo Yo Soul Recordings and CLTRE Lab—will integrate with Insignia’s expansive range of assets. These include holdings in recorded music, publishing, television, film, live tours, and special events. Furthermore, Franklin will take on the role of Chief of Creative Services within Insignia Assets.
This move signifies more than just a business transaction for Franklin. Speaking ahead of his receipt of the BET Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards on June 9, he emphasized the cultural significance of this partnership. He described it as an opportunity to construct a robust platform where narratives, spiritual beliefs, and cultural expressions can resonate widely through every form of media. Franklin has consistently advocated for expanding gospel music's influence into broader arenas where it can challenge, inspire, and engage global audiences authentically.
To inaugurate this venture, Franklin plans to release a fresh single titled "Do It Again" on June 6. Additionally, his production company, CLTRE Lab, will team up with Insignia Assets’ subsidiary, 3 Diamonds Entertainment, to launch "Den of Kings." This new dinner conversation series, hosted by Franklin himself, is scheduled to premiere on his YouTube channel on Father’s Day, June 15.
Beyond Franklin’s developments, other significant moves are reshaping the music industry landscape. Big Loud Records recently welcomed Lauren “LT” Thomas as Senior Vice President of Radio Promotion. With a proven track record from her previous role at Sony Music Nashville, Thomas brings extensive experience leading promotion efforts that have contributed to nearly 100 number one hits. Meanwhile, Live Nation is bolstering its Latin American presence by acquiring SD Concerts, a prominent live entertainment firm based in the Dominican Republic.
In a separate initiative, Rhythm & Relief, a newly formed 501(c)(3) charity, seeks to harness the power of music for therapeutic purposes. Founded by Glen Ward, a seasoned executive with over four decades of experience in the music and entertainment sectors, the organization partners with industry leaders to organize fundraising activities ranging from exclusive music releases to large-scale concerts. Their mission focuses on supporting programs that leverage music to address mental and physical health challenges faced by individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Through these various collaborations and ventures, the music industry continues to evolve, embracing innovative strategies to connect with wider audiences and promote positive societal change. By combining resources, expertise, and creative vision, these partnerships aim to redefine how music influences culture and fosters well-being.